Memorabilia maker Jostens says 372 jobs will be affected when it moves all production work from its Topeka plant to Clarksville, Tenn., beginning in July.

The Minneapolis-based maker of yearbooks, class rings and similar products informed its Topeka workers of the decision Monday.

The Topeka plant mainly produces Jostens’ line of memory books. Jostens says the 372 production jobs will be phased out.

The company plans to keep 87 employees in Topeka, mainly in customer service, art, marketing and technical support.

Jostens has been steadily cutting jobs and production in Topeka over the past several years.

Monday’s announcement came one year after Jostens announced it was cutting 83 full-time and seasonal jobs in Topeka as production of diploma covers moved to a plant in Shelbyville, Tenn.

By Dewey Terrill ~ Little Apple Post

The Kansas Highway Patrol is confirming two people were killed in a two vehicle accident on K-18 highway southwest of Manhattan early this morning. KHP also reported four Kansas State University students were injured in the accident, which occurred about 2:50 a.m.

KHP spokesman Lieutenant Gregory Harkrader says an extended cab Chevrolet cab pickup was going eastbound in the westbound lane of K-18 near the Stagg Hill Golf Course. The pickup hit a westbound car. The occupants in the car, 31-year-old Elizabeth V. Young of White City, and 32-year-old Micheal L. Stanley of Ogden were killed and the occupants of the pickup were injuried. They were transported to Mercy Regional Hospital in Manhattan, and two have subsequently been transported to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka for treatment of injuries.

Harkrader noted the occupants of the pickup were K-State students. He confirmed alcohol may have been involved in the crash. “Just kind of evidence on the scene. Some things inside the vehicle lead us to believe that alcohol could been involved in the crash.”

The highway was closed for several hours but it has been reopened to traffic.

Kansas State University has hired an internationally known pharmacology expert to direct a center at the university involved with improving animal health and food safety.

Jim Riviere, director of the Center for Chemical Toxicology Research and Pharmacokinetics at North Carolina State University, starts at Kansas State on Aug. 1. His annual salary is $260,000.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that Riviere is the first member of the National Academy of Sciences to join the Kansas State faculty. He’ll be a distinguished professor in the Department of Anatomy and Physiology in the university’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He will also direct the Institute of Computational Comparable Medicine, which applies mathematical models to improve animal health and food safety.

Kansas State also has hired Riviere’s wife, Nancy Monteiro-Riviere, a leading nanotoxicologist.

By Fred Gough ~ Hutch Post

A Kansas man is listed in fair condition after he was struck by a motorcyclist in Hutchinson Saturday night.

At around 9:10 pm, Hutchinson Police were dispatched to the 1900 block of North Main for an injury accident involving a motorcycle verses pedestrian.

Officers reported that 26-year-old Jeffrey Nusser was attempting to cross the street when he was struck by a motorcycle traveling northbound on Main.

The motorcyclist, who fled the scene, was described only as a white male wearing a white bandana driving a silver, “cruiser” style motorcycle with tall “ape hanger” handlebars, and loud pipes.

Nusser was taken by air-ambulance to Via Cristi St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Wichita for trauma to his right leg which had to be amputated below the knee.

The investigation is ongoing.

A boy has been killed in a hunting accident in Pottawatomie County, and investigators say there are no signs of foul play.

Sheriff Greg Riat says the accident was reported around 7:15 a.m. Saturday in the northeast part of the county.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports the boy was taken from the scene to a local hospital, where he died from a gunshot wound.

The victim’s identity and age weren’t being released Saturday. Riat says more details about the accident will be released at a later date.

An elderly Topeka man has died after his riding lawnmower slid down an embankment, overturned in a pond and pinned him beneath it.

WIBW identified the man as 84-year-old Wilbur Johnson, who was a caretaker of the property he was mowing when the accident happened. Fire crews used a winch to free the man, who was already dead.

The Shawnee County Sheriff’s office says emergency crews were called to the scene just before 6:30 p.m. Friday. Area homeowners found Johnson after seeing him mowing along the edge of the pond earlier in the day.

The National Transportation Safety Board says three people have died in the crash of a small plane in southeastern Kansas.

A teen ministry official says two of the five people aboard a small plane that crashed in Kansas on the way to a Christian youth rally in Iowa were able to walk away from the crash.

One later died. A hospital spokesman said Sunday that the lone survivor, 22-year-old Hannah Luce, is in serious condition in a burn unit in Kansas City, Kan.

Luce is the daughter of Ron Luce, the founder of Teen Mania Ministries, which was sponsoring the weekend rally.

A Teen Mania Ministries spokeswoman, Cindy Mallette, says in an emailed statement that Luce and a ministry employee, Austin Anderson, were able to get out of the plane and walk to a nearby road to get help after the Friday crash.

Anderson died Saturday at a Wichita hospital.

ORIGINAL STORY

NTSB spokesman Peter Knudson says five people were aboard the twin-engine Cessna 401 when it went down around 4:30 p.m. Friday northwest of Chanute. Knudson says the eight-seat plane caught fire after the crash.

The Federal Aviation Administration is also investigating and says the crash occurred about seven miles northwest of Chanute. That’s a generally rural area.

Knudson says the plane was en route from Riverside, Kan., to Council Bluffs, Iowa. He said the plane lost contact with air traffic control shortly after getting permission to descend to a lower altitude.

Knudson says investigators were unaware of any distress call.

No other information about the people on board was immediately available.

A teen ministry official says two of the five people aboard a small plane that crashed in Kansas on the way to a Christian youth rally in Iowa were able to walk away from the crash.

One later died. A hospital spokesman said Sunday that the lone survivor, 22-year-old Hannah Luce, is in serious condition in a burn unit in Kansas City, Kan.

Luce is the daughter of Ron Luce, the founder of Teen Mania Ministries, which was sponsoring the weekend rally.

A Teen Mania Ministries spokeswoman, Cindy Mallette, says in an emailed statement that Luce and a ministry employee, Austin Anderson, were able to get out of the plane and walk to a nearby road to get help after the Friday crash.

Anderson died Saturday at a Wichita hospital.

A federal indictment unsealed today alleges Norteno gang members in Dodge City, Kan., were involved in racketeering and murder, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

The indictment names 23 defendants, including four who are charged with the June 8, 2009, murder of Israel Peralta and the attempted murder of three other men. Peralta was shot to death as he and his friends were sitting outside in a trailer park on the south side of Dodge City. One of the men with Peralta was wounded by gunfire during the attack.

“This indictment alleges the Nortenos operated a criminal enterprise in Dodge City,” said U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom. “They engaged in drug trafficking, robbery and even murder for the purpose of expanding their power, wealth and influence.”

The indictment alleges members of the Nortenos built the gang’s reputation in Dodge City, defended its territory, and promoted its drug trafficking activities by creating a climate of fear through acts of violence and threats of violence. The defendants are charged under a federal law called the RICO Act (Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act). The indictment marks only the second time federal prosecutors in Kansas have filed charges under RICO and VICAR, violent crimes in aid of racketeering activity.

The indictment is based on a two-year investigation in which the Dodge City Police Department teamed up with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and other local, state and federal agencies to build the case.

“This indictment sends a message, “ Grissom said. “Dodge City residents shall not live in fear. Our streets are not a war zone. Gangs of armed men will not be permitted to prey on the weak or to exchange fire while the rest of us scramble for cover.”

“This investigation was initiated due to the ongoing violent criminal street gang problems occurring in Dodge City,” said Craig Mellecker, Dodge City Police Chief. “The Dodge City Police Department is committed to taking enforcement action to rid our community of these violent street gangs. The citizens of Dodge City deserve to live in a safe community.”
The 38-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court in Wichita includes counts alleging conspiracy to engage in racketeering, violent crimes in furtherance of racketeering, unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and other counts. Among the violent crimes alleged in the indictment are the following:

June 8, 2009: Murder of Israel Peralta.
June 8, 2009: Attempted murder of Mariano Sorano, Faustino Peralta and Roberto Arco.
June 8, 2009: Assault with a dangerous weapon upon Isidro Raleas-Velasquez.
Oct. 4, 2008: Attempted murder of Rumalda Hipolito and Abel Hernandez,.
March 29, 2010: Assault with a dangerous weapon upon Jose Arreola,
March 15, 2011: Attempted murder of Reyes Delira-Padilla.
March 30, 2011: Attempted murder of George Gonzalez.
April 30, 2011: Assault with a dangerous weapon upon Jose Santaella and Santos Gutierrez.
Aug. 27, 2011: Attempted murder of Gabriel Rivera and Carlos Ramirez.
July 2, 2008: Assault with a dangerous weapon upon Bryant Licon.
Feb. 5, 2012: Assault with a dangerous weapon upon Reyes Bocanegra.

Six counts of the indictment focus on alleged armed robberies. The indictment alleges Nortenos committed assaults with dangerous weapons and brandished firearms while robbing Guatemalan residents of Dodge City in their homes.

“The indictment alleges members of the Nortenos preyed on Guatemalan immigrants who work in the beef packing plants in Dodge City,” Grissom said. “It is well known among the Nortenos that many of the Guatemalan workers do not use banks and try to avoid contact with law enforcement officers. They are smaller in stature and they are unlikely to be armed.”

Michael P. Gleysteen, ATF Special Agent in Charge, said: “These indictments demonstrate ATF’s commitment to ensuring that gangs involved in criminal enterprises, including the Nortenos, know they are not welcome in Dodge City. We will utilize all our resources to eradicate criminal gangs from our communities.”

Defendants named in the indictment face varying charges depending on their alleged involvement in unlawful acts. The defendants include:

Jason Najera, 28, Dodge City, Kan., who is alleged to have been the leader of the Nortenos.
Pedro Garcia, 25, Dodge City, Kan., whose charges include murder.
Gonzalo Ramirez, 26, Dodge City, Kan., whose charges include murder.
Russell Worthey, 23, Dodge City, Kan., whose charges include murder.
Anthony Wright, 26, Dodge City, Kan., whose charges include murder.
Joshua Flores, 24, Dodge City, Kan.
Jesus Flores, 26, Dodge City, Kan.
Angel Cerda, 26, Dodge City, Kan.
Juan Torres, 21, Dodge City, Kan.
Alfredo Beltran-Ruiz, 21, Dodge City, Kan.
Donte Barnes, 20, Dodge City, Kan.
Jesus Sanchez, 22, Dodge City, Kan.
Enrique Gobin, 22, Dodge City, Kan.
Alfonso Banda-Hernandez, 19, Dodge City, Kan.
Andrew Gusman, 19, Dodge City, Kan.
Eusebio Sierra-Medrano, 31, Dodge City, Kan.
Jayson Vargas, 29, Dodge City, Kan,
Adam Flores, Dodge City, Kan.
Fabian Neave, 25, Dodge City, Kan.
Jesus Torres, 28, Dodge City, Kan.
Jose Neave, 22, Dodge City, Kan.
Hernan Quezada, 29, Dodge City, Kan.
Humberto Ortiz, 19, Dodge City, Kan.

Upon conviction crimes carry the following penalties:

• Conspiracy: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000.
• Violent crimes in furtherance of racketeering: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000; or a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 depending on the type of violent crime.
• Murder in furtherance of racketeering: A maximum penalty of death, or life in prison, and a fine up to $250,000.
• Possession or discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence: Not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000.
• Possession in furtherance of drug trafficking: Not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000.
• Conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon in furtherance of racketeering: A maximum penalty of three years and a fine up to $250,000.
• Unlawful possession of a firearm or ammunition after a felony conviction: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
• Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $1 million.

The Dodge City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Also assisting were the Ford County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith are prosecuting.

A bill designed to prevent Kansas courts or government agencies from relying on Islamic Sharia law or other foreign legal codes has cleared the state Legislature.

The Senate approved the bill Friday on a 33-4 vote. The House had approved it, 120-0, earlier in the week. The measure goes next to Gov. Sam Brownback.

The bill doesn’t specifically mention Sharia law, which broadly refers to codes within the Islamic legal system. Instead, it says that courts, administrative agencies or state tribunals can’t base rulings on any foreign law or legal system that would not grant the parties the same rights guaranteed by the state and federal constitutions.

But several supporters specifically cited the potential use of Sharia law in Kansas courts as their concern.

There’s disagreement in Kansas over whether oil company TransCanada should be exempt from paying millions in property taxes for the section of its Keystone pipeline that moves oil through Kansas to Oklahoma.

The Kansas Department of Revenue wants the Kansas Court of Tax Appeals to reconsider its decision to approve TransCanada’s 2011 property tax exemption.

The department estimates TransCanada owes nearly $19 million in 2011 property taxes for the pipeline that’s been operating since last year. The department says the pipeline doesn’t meet a requirement that Kansas refineries must have access to the oil in order for TransCanada to get the exemption.

The Court of Tax Appeals, however, says the pipeline meets the access requirement because Kansas refineries can get the oil from facilities in Oklahoma.

A Wichita fire official says a blaze at a mosque in the city was intentionally set.

The fire last Halloween at the Islamic Association of Mid Kansas mosque caused about $120,000 in damage but no one was injured.

The Wichita Eagle reports the congregation was able to return to the mosque last Friday.

Fire Capt. Stuart Bevis said Wednesday test results from federal officials ruled out the last possible accidental source of the fire.

He says at this point, all leads in the case have been investigated.

The mosque was the first formal mosque in Kansas when it opened in 1978. It had received anti-Islam letters before the fire but Bevis says investigators weren’t able to prove a connection between the letters and the fire.

Kansas House members have given first-round approval to a bill that seeks to buy time for defining what constitutes real and personal business property.

Wednesday’s voice vote advanced the measure to final House action, expected Thursday. House passage would send the measure to the Senate.

At issue is property that has previously been exempt from property taxes because of abatements granted by cities and counties. As those abatements expire, the property must be classified as either real or personal for tax purposes.

However, legislators approved a bill in 2006 that removed business machinery and equipment from tax rolls.

Legislators want to take two years to define real and personal property. Their goal is to prevent previously exempt equipment from being reclassified as real property, forcing higher property taxes on businesses.

 

Owners of small cafes in Kansas are happy to see one group of motorcyclists pull up for a bite to eat.

The Retired Old Motorcyclists Eating Out — or ROMEOS — make an effort to provide some cash and customers for mom-and-pop restaurants across the state.

The group was started a dozen years ago by Richard Kutz of Lindsborg, who recruited a small group of friends to ride to restaurants every week.

Today, the ROMEOS have split into five clubs with nearly 500 members.

Kutz says the group knows it’s hard for small towns to recover if they lose their cafes, so they try to support and publicize those restaurants.

The group has traveled this spring to diners in Sun City, Luray, Haven, and Wakefield.